The B.C. Coalition to End Youth Homelessness published its second Special Report on COVID-19 and youth homelessness in July 2020. The report recommends unique, youth-centred ways to increase income levels for youth at risk of homelessness and the development of a BC Youth Housing Action Plan that provides a continuum of housing and access to rental subsidies. The report also recommends increasing youth safety and security online to mitigate risks of exploitation and online bullying.
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Substance use
Recommendation 41: Youth report an increased need for safe using spaces, including mobile vans that deliver. Youth request drug testing stations so youth can test their substances. Organizations need to bring the supports to the youth to avoid risk of community transmissions.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 42: Youth need legal prescriptions that are delivered to their home or to organizations to support safe use.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 43: There should be pro-active prevention work to help youth access detox or treatment before overdosing. Youth need increased support with safety planning and managing triggers such as connecting with negative people due to boredom or isolation.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 44: Youth are recommending that non-profits provide medical detox to youth they are already connected to. In Vancouver, youth suggested that the COVID-19 or Covenant House van could help youth detoxing in community.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 45: Provide youth with access to in-house substance use counselors and face to face NA/AA meetings. Some youth are not able to access the online meetings or they don’t work for them. Youth benefit from peer-based knowledge groups to de-stigmatize substance use.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 46: Provide youth with access to treatment and abstinence-based programs. Ensure they have support workers that can help advocate and transport them to detox or treatment.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 47: Some youth identified a need for spiritual care to heal from the increased deaths and loss they have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 overdose crisis.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 48: Youth need support in finding purpose, which provides youth with a reason to access substance use support. This may need to be a two-part process with employers willing to support youth to get connected to the community and support resilience in bouncing back.-
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Substance use
Recommendation 49: Government needs to help reduce stigma for youth. Community needs to be supportive of youth who are facing increases in substance use and understand why people may have spent CERB on substances instead of punishing people.-
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Education
Recommendation 50: Increased support and planning for youth at school that are struggling with online school or have learning disabilities. School support workers should help guide non-profits on best practices to support youth and the School Boards should provide tutor supports.-
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